Ascension Borgess Hospital - The Surgical Group
Located in the Medical Specialties Building on the campus of Ascension Borgess Hospital
- Surgery
About Us
Our members were instrumental in the development of endovascular surgery in Kalamazoo. They were committed to establishing the first dedicated endovascular operating suites in Michigan. This group was the first to promote minimally invasive therapies for peripheral venous disease. The Surgical Group of Southwest Michigan pioneered office-based VNUS procedures, which helped reduce costs.
We offer a wide range of general and vascular surgical services. These services include the treatment of:
- Carotid artery disease
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Lower extremity stenosis.
We also offer general surgical services including:
- Laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder
- Hernia repair
- Treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome
- Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Colon surgery
- Treatment of varicose veins: injection therapy (sclerotherapy)
- ClosureFAST procedure for varicose veins.
Peripheral Vascular Disease: We evaluate, diagnose and treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). By doing this, we can restore proper blood flow throughout the body.
Hernia Repair Effective: We specialize in the accurate diagnosis and repair of simple and complex hernias. We use the most up-to-date technology to provide the safest and most effective surgery possible.
Vascular Laboratory Accredited: Our certified vascular laboratory offers screening of carotid arteries, abdominal aorta and peripheral arteries at nominal cost.
Varicose Veins Treatment: The Closure procedure, an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery, brings the most up-to-date technology to an age-old disease.
Our Care Team
Doctors at our location are featured below. For other treatment, find a doctor at your nearest location.
| James T. McLaren, MD, F.A.C.S. | Sean P. O'Brien, MD, F.A.C.S. | Jason T. Ryan, MD, F.A.C.S. |
Our History
Our physicians are board-certified in general and vascular surgery. With more than 40 years of combined surgical experience, our surgeons have specialized knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating:
- Alimentary tract: esophagus, stomach, small bowel, large bowel
- Abdomen and its contents: diaphragm, biliary tract, liver, pancreas, spleen
- Breast, skin and soft tissue: benign and malignant disease
- Vascular surgery: arteries and veins, excluding the vessels in the brain, heart and lungs
- Endocrine surgery: thyroid and parathyroid glands, pancreas and adrenal glands
- Surgical oncology: including coordinated management of cancer patients
Our Vascular Laboratory
Testing in a vascular laboratory is an essential step in diagnosing and treating vascular diseases. We are proudly accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL). Our testing is painless and is noninvasive, meaning there are no needles or injections used. A Registered Vascular Technologist does the testing under the direction of our vascular surgeons.
Some of the ultrasounds we perform are:
- Carotid artery evaluations
- Arterial and venous evaluations of upper and lower extremities
- Abdominal aortic evaluations
- Thoracic outlet evaluations
- Thyroid and several general ultrasound studies.
Vascular Screening
Our certified vascular laboratory offers screening of carotid arteries, abdominal aorta and peripheral arteries. These are offered at a nominal cost as insurance companies typically do not pay for screenings. All three exams take less than 20 minutes. You may receive your results upon request and can have them sent to your primary care physician as well.
For more information regarding vascular screenings, please call us at 269-381-4577 or 800-211-0666.
Diseases and Conditions Treated
Diagnostic Tests performed at office include:
- Carotid Ultrasound
- Arterial Ultrasound
- Venous Ultrasound
- Thoracic Outlet
- Venous Insufficiency Ultrasound
- Vascular Screening
- Ultrasounds to Evaluate Dialysis Grafts
Our Services
Surgical treatment options we offer include:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Breast Surgery
- Carotid Artery Surgery
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Colon Surgery
- Gallbladder Surgery
- Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Hernia Surgery
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Thyroid Surgery
- Varicose Veins
- ClosureFast™ Procedure
Additional services we offer include:
- Procedures for Dialysis
- Alimentary tract: esophagus, stomach, small bowel, large bowel
- Abdomen and its contents: diaphragm, biliary tract, liver, pancreas, spleen
- Breast, skin and soft tissue: benign and malignant disease
- Vascular surgery: arteries and veins, excluding the vessels in the brain, heart and lungs
- Endocrine surgery: thyroid and parathyroid glands, pancreas and adrenal glands
- Surgical oncology: including coordinated management of cancer patients
Featured Treatment Options
Peripheral Vascular Disease: Peripheral vascular disease refers to any disease or disorder of the circulatory system outside of the brain and heart. Although the term peripheral vascular disease can include any disorder that affects blood vessels, it is often used as a synonym for peripheral artery disease.
Treatment of Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are swollen, bluish-colored veins. This is a condition that often runs in families or develops because of pregnancy, obesity or trauma.
Gallbladder Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: This is a method for removing the gallbladder through small incisions in the abdomen. This is a common procedure called Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. However, other times the gallbladder may need to be removed through a larger incision. This is referred to an Open Cholecystectomy.
Hernia Treatment Options: The goal of surgery is to repair the weak tissue in your abdominal wall so that intestine and other tissue can't push through it again. Generally, the earlier the repair, the smaller the hernia, and the less trauma from surgery.
Colon Surgery Colectomy: Colectomy can be used to treat a variety of diseases. These include the removal of colon or rectal cancer or large polyps (growths that arise on the lining of the colon), diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), or bleeding.
Thyroid Surgery Gland Removal: Thyroid surgery is used to treat thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and hyperthyroidism. During this procedure, part or all the thyroid gland is removed.